Hotel Indigo San Diego, Del Mar

Hotel Indigo Del Mar is a neighborhood hotel first and foremost. The former Stratford Inn Best Western, which is located on the site of the historic Stratford Inn built in 1910, has transitioned most recently into the internationally known Hotel Indigo boutique hotel brand. It was the recipient of a multimillion dollar facelift in 2012. Although there is an obvious beachy vibe to Hotel Indigo Del Mar, their emphasis is still on all things Del Mar, which includes the legendary Del Mar Racetrack. You’ll find hints of horse racing throughout the property, including the Stairway to Greatness, an outdoor staircase from the Fire Pit Terrace to the pool, with names of legendary race horses spelled out in tiles. Sprawling between Camino Del Mar and Stratford Court with entrances on both streets, Hotel Indigo Del Mar is a short two blocks from the ocean and within walking distance of Del Mar Village.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Ambiance

Hotel Indigo Del Mar makes a striking first impression. The large white, two-story structure with massive French paned windows has a single pop of blue from its front entrance awning. Inside, the lobby is as cool as an ocean breeze. Sand-colored walls and contemporary pendant lights complement a white ceiling and a row of bright white columns that separate the registration area from the rest of the lobby. A cool palette of soothing shades of blue, green, and natural provide a calming ambiance.

Modern dark wood furnishings dressed in tans and multi-striped fabrics create two comfortable seating areas, one in front of the lobby’s white marble fireplace, and the other in front of a grand French paned white floor-to-ceiling window looking out onto the Fire Pit Terrace. Shells, driftwood, starfish, potted palms, and other beach accents add to the casual seaside atmosphere.

Like most boutique hotels, Hotel Indigo Del Mar caters to both business and leisure travelers. It’s an affordable favorite among business travelers with just the right touches of contemporary elegance and modern conveniences. However, it’s leisure travel where Hotel Indigo really shines. It is great for families with its spacious rooms with kitchenettes, patios or balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, heated pools, and proximity to local beaches, parks, and attractions. Pet owners adore the hotel’s generous pet policy, and horse racing enthusiasts appreciate how this neighborhood hotel embraces Del Mar’s legendary thoroughbred racing scene.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Rooms

Ninety-three guest rooms and suites at Hotel Indigo Del Mar come in eight styles. There are five king-bed rooms and suites, and three queen-bed rooms. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling beach themed wall murals and ocean-inspired décor, hardwood floors, and desks with ergonomic chairs. Keurig coffeemakers and clocks with iPod docks are in each room and suite. Bathrooms have granite countertops, glass-enclosed showers, and feature Aveda spa products. Many rooms and suites have semi-private patios or balconies, and include kitchenettes.

King Leisure is Hotel Indigo’s standard king room. It includes a 32” flat screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, coffeemaker, and spa-style shower. The King Feature has the semi-private patio with pool access, an oversized room with a pullout sofa, a 42” flat screen TV, kitchenette with two-burner stove, and glass enclosed spa shower. King Ocean View has the same amenities as King Feature, but is on the upper level and offers ocean views and a balcony instead of patios and pool access.

The other king-bed accommodations are the hotel’s suites – the Executive Suite and Suite View. Both suites have separate living areas. The Executive Suite has a sleeper sofa in the living area, two 42” flat screens, a spa style shower, refrigerator, and microwave. The Suite View is on the upper floor and offers an ocean view balcony. It has a spacious living room with fireplace, two bathrooms, kitchenette, Jacuzzi tub, and 42” flat screen TV.

Queen rooms include two queen-size beds in each of the three room styles. Two Queen Beds is Hotel Indigo’s standard queen room with the same amenities as the standard King Leisure. The Two Bed Executive is a spacious room with pillowtop queen beds and luxurious bed linens, a desk and ergonomic chair, 32” flat-screen TV, refrigerator, microwave, Keurig coffeemaker, and wet bar. The Two Queen Beds Ocean View includes an oversized guest room with two queen beds, a 42” flat-screen TV, kitchenette with two burner stove, and a balcony with an ocean view.

Bright and cheery rooms and suites have abundant natural light, bright white fluffy pillows and duvets, and sunny gold walls with earth tone room accents; the wood floors are kid-friendly. Unusually spacious rooms can easily accommodate kids’ travel necessities like a Pack ‘N Play Playard. Kitchenettes are a plus for families, so kids can have a quick drink, snack, or light meal at the counter. On-site self-laundry facilities are another plus for families indulging in lots of beach time. There are two entrances to most rooms, which could be a minus with small children.

Room tips: Many ocean view rooms are partial or peek-a-boo ocean views. There are no safes in rooms, but there are safety deposit boxes available at the front desk. Room stays can be customized with your choice of a dozen “Delighters” that range from champagne to cookie baskets to movie packs.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Amenities

Ocean View Bar & Grill, Hotel Indigo’s full bar and restaurant, is located next to the lobby with ocean view terraces. Expect casual California coastal cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with crème brulée French toast, smoked salmon eggs benedict with potato pancakes, or San Diegans’ favorite – the breakfast burrito. Stop in pre- or post-race for a cocktail and a bite to eat under the bold-colored wall mural of horses in their racetrack starting gates.

Spa Na’Mara is the hotel’s full-service spa offering five treatment rooms – a couple’s suite, two massage rooms, one skin care room, and a nail studio. They provide an extensive menu of body services, facials, manicures and pedicures, waxing services, and massages. Try one of Spa Na’Mara’s five spa packages like the Fijian Coconut and Honey Ritual or top-end their Signature Spa Retreat.

There are two outdoor heated pools at Hotel Indigo Del Mar. The primary pool is located on the ground level of the main building with the Fire Pit Terrace off the second floor lobby overlooking it. The second pool on the property is next to Building 2. This pool has an outdoor hot tub. There are ADA pool lifts for both the pool and the hot tub.

A small fitness center with a couple treadmills, an elliptical, a bike, a universal weight system, free weights, a steam room, and a locker room is on-site. Though small, it’s clean and well-equipped, and there are two flat-screen TVs to entertain you while you work out. There is also access to a full fitness center off-site for a fee. Both are open 24 hours.

Pet-friendly Hotel Indigo allows up to two pets under 50 pounds per room. Water dishes are scattered about the property; doggie treats are stocked at the front desk. Hotel dog tags are available in case you lose track of your dog. This pet-friendly hotel loves dogs so much they host the Bark After Dark fundraising event in partnership with Dirty Dogs to raise money for Furry Foster, a pet fostering organization.

For the business traveler, there is not a business center at Hotel Indigo Del Mar, but there are copying, faxing, printing and Internet services available, as well as access to a PC. They also have fax and copy services at the front desk. The hotel provides meeting accommodations in the Seabiscuit Room. It has 20-foot vaulted ceilings, a 62” TV with a laptop connection, and a private terrace; it accommodates 40 participants.

Amenities tip: Other guests have expressed concerns about the lack of lighting in the parking areas, and difficulty locating rooms on the sprawling property at night. Complimentary underground and lot parking are available. Dirt paths heading down the bluffs to the beach near the hotel are inadvisable; it’s best to go to Powerhouse Park off 15th Street for beach access, but enjoy clifftop sunsets!

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Neighborhood

Hotel Indigo Del Mar has a philosophy of “keeping it local.” Staff are knowledgeable about not only Del Mar’s famous highlights like the beaches, boutique shops, and racetrack, but also the not so famous like Rusty Del Mar Surf Shop, a Del institution, where you can rent surfboards and hit the waves. Hotel staff are dedicated to seeing that you have a true Del Mar experience.

There are a number of great restaurants in Del Mar Village, some with ocean views. Racing enthusiasts will love Sbicca’s. The award-winning New American bistro was envisioned as a place where friends would meet for a relaxing meal after the races and linger over a glass of wine. Jake’s Del Mar serves New American coastal cuisine beachside in a casual and relaxed restaurant where every table has a perfect view. Pacifica Del Mar Breeze Café is on the top floor of Del Mar Plaza; the bistro-style café provides one of the most affordable ocean-view dining experiences you’ll find in Old Del Mar.

Horse racing season in Del Mar starts with a flourish of extravagant hats on Opening Day in mid-July and runs through the beginning of September. The track recently added a post-summer 15-day elite Thoroughbred racing season in November named The Bing Crosby Season for its founder.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar Promotions

Hotel Indigo Del Mar offers a number of seasonal and special hotel packages for their rooms and suites. Check their website for details.

Hotel Indigo Del Mar TripAdvisor Reviews.

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